Why do you get defensive from the inquiries? Forget about the idiocy from others and ask yourself what nerve they strike with the questions.
Those people deserve pity, not scorn, because they are obviously lacking in what makes society cohesive - manners.
Oh, one more point. You are right that Michael Douglas should get smacked upside the head. 
It's one thing as an academic exercise to write this down and discuss it. It's entirely different when you are caught flat-footed in public about something is DAMN WELL NONE OF THEIR BEES WAX and possibly are hungry/tired/frustrated. I was in a good mood when I dealt with Aaron, but not when that idiot said what she said.
With that said, I do make a conscious effort to be nice to stupid people especially in front of Bella. You could give me a little grace since I did admit in this rant that I could have been nicer!
I'm just thankful that moronic critics of my adoption don't merit publication!
BTW: did you show your rocket scientist that star trek new voyages thing?
Don't you just love that pic? That is so funny with the kid sticking his tongue out at the papparatzi!
I give you credit for acknowledging when people push your buttons. I guess I assume that, given where you live (excuse my stereotyping of the south), these incidents wouldn't come as a shock to you. My few visits to the south left me with the distinct impression that people there OBSESS over race and over the line between black and white.
The pic is great. Like the woman in the blog you linked, I am not a star follower, but I have so much respect for Angelina Jolie. She has an incredible soul and she's a million times more interesting than cookie cutter Aniston. I have been to Cambodia and I completely understand why she felt so moved to do get into humanitarian work, adoption, etc. It's a shame more people do not see her as an example that should be followed.
Actually the part of the south I live in is mostly "southern in location only".
Since Saturn came to Spring Hill an overwhelming number of yankees came with it. People don't waive at stop signs to insist on letting you through like they used to. You are more likely to see the middle finger than a couple of fingers waive as you pass someone.
We are suffering what Atlanta went through in the early 90's. The yankee invasion has diluded some of the good graces of us southerners. I am happy to say that we have had a positive impact on some of their brash behavior.
As for racism, yes it's not unusual for people to still focus on it. Like the Hammas child, it takes a long time to overcome that level of indoctrination of hatred. With that said, it is still considered improper to speak to a stranger in the way that some have to us and to our friends who have adopted transracially.
You don't have to be from the south to be a racist. Unfortunately that disease is everywhere. We just get stuck with the label-dare I say stereotype-from the issues of the past.
As for Ms. Jolie, kudos on the adoption work. However giving into or going after a married man still is not a good thing. Nor is it a good example for her children.
You are correct that one does not need to be from the south to be racist, but let me tell you that no white person would use racial slurs here in LA in mixed company without serious fear of a beatdown.
I doubt that can be said about the south.
Hang on I was outside in the outhouse wiping my behind with leaves when this came in...
YES OF COURSE ONE CAN EXPECT A BEAT DOWN IN MIXED COMPANY!
Give southern black folks a little more credit for having some gumption than that!
Besides, I thought everybody in CA was smoking weed and riding surfboards and was way too relaxed to fight.
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